White labelling

Could additional IP expertise, on tap, help your law firm?

Law firms large and small can sometimes require additional support for various reasons. There may be a short-term need whilst recruiting is taking place. It might be that a smaller practice has specific skills or experience gaps that don’t justify a full-time position. Or you might just want to outsource the risk of an adverse decision.

We provide this sort of ‘white-label’ service to a number of UK-based law firms. Whilst sometimes this is because they don’t have dedicated intellectual property professionals, at other times we are instructed by specialist teams to bring additional skills and experience. It can be for a single case, or across a range of work.

What matters is that an end client gets the best intellectual property advice and support they can get. In our eyes, if that is achieved by us being of service to others in the profession, then it’s win/win for everyone. We recognise that turning to us is not always any easy decision. But whether it’s for a single case, or for a longer period, it is always on a strictly confidential basis. We understand that much of this work cannot be disclosed, and that we can’t disclose that we have assisted any particular firm. And that’s fine.

Previous instructions include:

Appearing as advocate in oral hearings before the UKIPO on behalf of a firm of competing trade mark attorneys

Advising on a complicated opposition, and assisting with drafting and working on on-going issues arising for a leading law firm with a trade mark prosecution department

Drafting complicated submissions to the UKIPO and EUIPO on behalf of a leading intellectual property specialist law firm

How we have helped our clients

When you register a trade mark you are providing it with a level of protection that actually builds value in your business. By securing a registered trade mark, you give yourself an avenue to prevent someone using something similar and riding off the back of your hard work and reputation.

"Aaron is great trade mark attorney. He is very knowledgeable on trade marks, but at the same time also very business-driven. And apart from that he is a very nice person." - Willem Leppink, Partner, Ploum Lodder Princen, Netherlands

We have considerable experience in registering trade marks. We have worked both in-house at large brand-owning companies, and at other law firms. We have advised multinationals, but have helped start-ups and fledgling businesses protect their assets, too. There are few sectors we haven't worked in, and our experience really does range from advertising agencies to zoos! A to Z… literally.

"As a client, Aaron has always given excellent advice, has the ability to adapt quickly to client's particular needs and responds effectively to urgent requests. He is always willing to help and provides excellent results. I have very much enjoyed working with Aaron, it has been a valuable learning experience" - Isabel Soares, Paralegal, Bacardi & Company, Switzerland

Handling trade mark disputes is a core aspect of our Enforcement work. We're regularly either acting for our clients to ensure a third party isn't able to register a trade mark that might affect their rights, or defending them from proceedings brought by others.

"I've worked with Aaron a few times now in relation to UK trademark applications, particularly where they have become contentious. I have found Aaron to be extremely helpful and prompt in replaying to emails/calls. I'll continue to use his services and would encourage anyone else in such matters to do the same" - Seb Hopkins, Solicitor, Flint Bishop LLP, UK

You want competitors to steer clear of your brands. And, of course, competitors want you to steer clear of theirs. So if you find your business on the wrong end of a demand to alter a brand once you've adopted, marketed, and set your hopes on it, it can make for an expensive and unpleasant experience.

"Just wanted to thank you once again for all your assistance and helpful advice with this matter. It truly is a great pleasure to work with such a reputable firm and knowledgeable attorney such as yourself […] your particular attention to detail and explaining all aspects surrounding matters I have inquired about has been exceptional and I always appreciate your time and patience" - Lisa Cronsberry, Manager, Intellectual Property Group at Scotiabank, Canada

Wood assisted by protecting the main brands and class names of this market-leading franchise

"Aaron has always been very quick to help us. The initial contact was through a recommendation and I understand why he came so highly recommended! I have worked with a number of lawyers but the level of detail and business understanding presented by Aaron cannot be compared with other firms. I am also kept up to date about billing and any additional expenses. Previous lawyers have landed me a bill for additional 50% of agreed fees because the project has taken longer than they expected but haven't communicated this to me, their client. A bit of a shock and shortsighted. Aaron ensures billing is clear for all concerned and delivers a professional service throughout." - Julie Clabby, Busylizzymum Limited, UK